High Cholesterol: Know the Risks
Cholesterol helps the body create new cells, insulate and protect nerves, and produce hormones. Normally, the liver supplies all the cholesterol that the body needs. However, there are other factors (diet, exercise, smoking, diabetes, and genetic makeup, to name a few) that can influence the actual amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. Too much cholesterol present in the body is a risk factor for heart disease.
Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis (a form of heart disease) is caused when excess cholesterol in the blood leads to build up in the artery walls. The arteries narrow, slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. Since blood carries oxygen to the heart, this blockage may lead to chest pain. A heart attack will result if the blockage causes blood flow to a portion of the heart to be completely cut off
Good and Bad Cholesterol
Both abnormal levels of LDL cholesterol or HDL cholesterol can be treated with a low-fat diet and exercise plan, or medications as advised by your doctor. Dr. Douglas will develop a personal treatment plan to fit each patient’s individual needs.
